Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: Pesos & Piñatas
Young Audiences of Houston, Psophonia Dance Company, and Miller Outdoor Theatre present Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: Pesos & Piñatas, Tuesday, November 3, at 11am.
Psophonia Dance Company presents a fun and entertaining performance based on Mexican culture, history and traditions. From Piñatas, Cinco de Mayo, Mexican Independence Day to Tortillas and Tamales, Psophonia explores the many things that that are a part of the Mexican Heritage we celebrate today!
Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 100 Concert Dr., Houston, TX 77030. Phone: 713-284-8352
Young Audiences of Houston is dedicated to educating children through the arts. Annually Young Audiences of Houston brings live performances, master-classes, workshops and residencies in the arts to about 315,000 children in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 at public, private and parochial schools in the Houston area, as well as in libraries, parks and community centers. These quality programs provide students with the opportunity to see, hear and participate in the performing, literary and visual arts.
Houston Ballet 2009 Nutcracker Market November 12th – 15th
Houston Ballet is holding their 29th Annual Nutcracker Market at the Reliant Center. This years market will include over 300 national and internation merchants offering gifts for the entire family including home décor, gourmet food, garden, clothing, sporting gifts, novelties, accessories and more. All proceeds from the market benefit Houston Ballet Foundation, Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy and its scholarship fund.
This year’s market theme, conceived of by market chairman Gaylon Gullquist, is “Puttin’ on the Dog”. A passionate dog-lover, Ms. Gullquist discovered the humorous canine artistry of Louisiana- based artist Jim Tweedy, including his “Muttcracker” and “Sugar Plum Larry”.
Reliant Center is located at One Reliant Park, Houston, TX 77054. The Market times 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Thursday, November 12th and Friday, November 13th and 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday, November 14th and Sunday November 15th.
Tickets are available online though ticketmaster for $12.00 or discounted for $10 through Randalls stores. Children under 6 are free, and half-price admission will be offered for the final three hours each day. Admission at the door is $11.
Will the $8000 Tax Credit be Extended?
If you’ve been following the news this week, you know that there’s quite a debate shaping up, over the $8000 tax credit. The credit — for first time homebuyers and people who haven’t owned a home for at least three years — is due to expire November 30th.
There will be an important vote in the Senate this week on the housing tax credit provision, The Dodd-Lieberman-Isakson amendment would extend the tax credit to June 30 2010. It would expand the credit to any homebuyer and raise the income limits to $150,ooo ($300,000 for joint returns.) The amount of the tax credit would remain at $8,000.
And as that deadline draws closer, the voices are growing louder. Some calling for an extension, so more buyers can get the credit, and a new home. Others calling for the program to end on schedule, saying we can’t afford to add any more to the nation’s deficits.
Let’s take a look at that debate, and what each side has to say:
The Washington Post recommends ending the tax credit for good, on November 30th. Their editorial reads, in part:
“…the housing credit does not magically generate demand. It moves demand around — from the future to the present, and from other consumers, and other sectors, to homebuyers and homes…” “Congress should end this program while it still can. With hundreds of billions of dollars in support from the Fed, the Treasury and the FHA still in place, the housing market can survive without it.”
On the other side of the issue: an opinion piece in American Banker says the credit should be extended past November 30th, and also, expanded to help more homebuyers! Here’s what they wrote:
“…In deciding to extend and expand the first-time homebuyer tax credit, policymakers must consider more widely the bigger picture of homeownership and its enormously positive effects on the economy. Only this will lead to a comprehensive healing of America’s real estate system.”
USA Today ran two opinion pieces on the tax credit…one pro, one con! Here’s an excerpt from the ‘pro’ column:
“…Expanding the tax credit would accelerate the recovery by stimulating demand among “move up” buyers, existing home buyers who want or need a larger house. This would spur buying and price stability in a new segment of the housing market, further accelerating an economic and housing recovery…”
And, the piece they ran against extending the credit, reads in part:
“…tax credits are just another form of government spending, and the government — which is running a $1.6 trillion deficit this year — doesn’t have any money to spend. Extending the credit, which has already cost as much as $15 billion, would mean borrowing even more from future generations to aid today’s home buyers…”
And as the voices grew louder, and the debate more robust, the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® weighed in. Here’s what its President, Charles McMillan had to say:
“…unlike the 700 billion bailout of Wall Street and Banks, the housing tax credit puts cash in the hands of financially healthy home buyers and helps stabilize home prices…”
“…Congress should extend the tax credit through 2010. This will give the market time to clear away excess inventory,, which will help stabilize home prices. That in turn will rekindle consumer confidence in the economy, and the housing market.”
Prospects are good for extension of the tax credit. There is a real concern in the Administration about the strength of the economic recovery. Treasury Secretary Geithner was quoted in the November 2nd issue of Business Week stating, “We’re not going to make the mistake many countries made in the passt of putting the brakes on too early and creating the risk of a weaker recovery with even higher levels of unemployment.”
On the negative side, the stories about fraud in the tax credit program and concerns about the cost are legitimate, too.
While the industry trade organizations are making a major push for the expansion of the tax credit to all homeowners, it appears unlikely that it will be expanded beyond first-time homebuyers.
Holy Covenant UMC’s 20th Annual Heartwarming Christmas Show
The 20th annual Heartwarming Christmas Show will be held at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The craft show hosted by the United Methodist Women of the church will include over 68 booths. These booths will include everything from crafts to candles to all kinds of food and is open to the public. The UMW hold the large craft fair every year to raise funds for many different mission projects in Katy and beyond. The church is located at 22111 Morton Road in Katy. For further information go to www.holycov.org.
VFW Awards Katy Youth
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 announced the winners for its annual Voice of Democracy and the Patriot Pen youth essay contest at the VFW hall, which was filled with patriotic young people and their families on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. The evening ceremony recognized those involved with Voice of Democracy, Patriot’s Pen, and the Boy Scouts of America “Eagle Scout” program.
Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9182 offers students an opportunity to participate in the Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition and Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest to compete for scholarships and U.S. Savings Bonds. Read more
Celebrate 70 Years of Katy Football
The Friday night lights will shine down on January 16 as Katy High School celebrates seventy years of football memories. Former players, cheerleaders, drill team members, managers, trainers, and band members are invited to A Night Of Champions—Seventy Years of Katy High School Football at the Red Oak Ballroom at the brand-new CityCentre at 7:00 PM. This upscale venue is the closest convention center that is large enough to accommodate the expected crowd of football enthusiasts. Read more
Ronald McDonald House Charities Junior Golf Clinic on November 21st
Families are invited to attend the Ronald McDonald House Charities Junior Clinic to be held at The Houstonian Golf & Country Club driving range on Saturday, Nov. 21, starting at noon. Attendees will learn tips and tricks from LPGA teaching professionals and have an opportunity to practice their putting and chipping. The clinic is open to children aged 7-17 and is free of charge with tournament admission. The torunament will run from Thursday, November 19th to Sunday, November 22nd.
Registration forms are available by calling 832-532-4848 or by downloading the form from the official LPGA Tour Championship Web site at www.lpgatourchampionship.org.
Nighttime with the Nutcracker at Roosevelt Alexander Elementary November 19th
Ballet Forte & the Roosevelt Alexander Elementary PTA present Nighttime with the Nutcracker on Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. at Alexander Elementary School.
The evening will include a short performance and reading of the classic Nutcracker story with desserts, coffee and cocoa following the event
Tickets go on sale Nov. 2 at the school. The price is $15 or $20 at the door. All proceeds from the event go to the RAE PTA.
Keep Katy Beautiful City Wide Garage Sale November 21st
Clean out those closets, sweep out those garages and get ready for City Wide Garage Sale! Keep Katy Beautiful will help supply the advertising if you supply your garage sale “treasures” at your home (combine with a neighbor, subdivision, school or church). Register your garage sale address at the Katy City Hall Annex, 5718 Second St. (Deadline is November 18th.)
The City Wide Garage Sale will be held on saturday, November 21st, rain or shine in yards and garages all over Katy! REduce, REuse, REcycle, and REbuy and celebrate Texas and America Recycles Day!
For more information, please call 281-391-4726 or email jwolman@cityofkaty.com
“If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas” to Begin November 6th
Theatre Suburbia presents If It’s Monday, This Must Be Christmas from Nov. 6-Dec. 5.
In this comedy, not only is the payroll missing but, crime of all crimes, somebody kidnapped Santa Claus! And Harry has only one day, Christmas Eve, to solve the case. Wise cracks and plot twists fly faster than Santa ’s sleigh in this yuletide whodunit.
Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 29, at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults; $13 for students and seniors. The Sunday shows are $12.
Theatre Suburbia is located at 4106 Way Out West Drive, Ste. N, in Houston. For reservations, call 713-682-3525 or go to www.theatresuburbia.com.
CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Cross Creek Ranch
Cross Creek Ranch has teamed up with CHRISTUS St. Catherine to help fight breast cancer with the “Celebrate Your Princess” Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Saturday, October 31, 2009. The walk will begin at Cross Creek Ranch at 8:00 am and end with a celebration to remember. Proceeds from the event will benefit the CHRISTUS St. Catherine Breast Cancer Awareness Fund, promoting community outreach, health, wellness and education.
To Download a Printable Form (PDF): Click Here
For Online Registration & Payment: Click Here Read more
Tour De Donut Bicycle Race at Katy Mills November 1st
The Tour de Donut is a unique bicycle race where riders embark on an appetizing 28-mile journey with rest stops along the way serving as many delectable donuts as you can eat. For EACH tasty donut consumed, the rider is awarded a tempting 5-minute time credit. Eat enough delicious donuts, and you can finish the race before you even started!
The event is being held Sunday, November 1st at 8:00 am at Katy Mills Mall, 5000 Katy Mills Circle.
$25 pre-registration for either the 28 mile Donut-Consuming Challenge OR 55 mile BP MS 150 Recommended Ride; Family Ride is $15 preregistration per rider.
Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: The Story of the Lone Star State Free Event October 29th
Young Audiences of Houston, InterActive Theater, and Miller Outdoor Theatre present Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: The Story of the Lone Star State, Thursday, October 29, at 11am.
This original production by Houston’s award-winning children’s theater takes a bite out of Texas history. From the Native Americans to NASA astronauts, 600 years of Texas tales are told in 45 minutes. Audiences learn about Indian folklore, Spanish exploration, Hispanic heritage, and the many cultures and peoples that have shaped our state. Four actors play more than 50 roles, bringing to life such colorful characters as Sam Houston, Santa Anna, and James Bowie. Students experience a fantastic performance and become part of history, as the unique InterActive Theater Company allows them to volunteer on stage, answer questions, and offer suggestions to the actors.
Teachers and educators find Texas history curriculum enhanced by a production that is at once educational and entertaining. So saddle up for the ride of your life – and don’t worry, we’ll remember the Alamo!
Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 100 Concert Dr., Houston, TX 77030. Phone: 713-284-8352
Young Audiences of Houston is dedicated to educating children through the arts. Annually Young Audiences of Houston brings live performances, master-classes, workshops and residencies in the arts to about 315,000 children in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 at public, private and parochial schools in the Houston area, as well as in libraries, parks and community centers. These quality programs provide students with the opportunity to see, hear and participate in the performing, literary and visual arts.
Super Hero Night and Party on the Plaza on October 30th
A FREE event for all campuses held at the Woodway Campus in the newly remodeled Worship Center of Second Baptist.
Kids, bring your parents, friends and neighbors! The Super Heroes will be back with the next chapter in the Super Hero Saga – Von Zoom’s Revenge! See the JUMP Team and get a free bag of candy! Remember to wear your super hero outfits!
BUT WAIT! The fun doesn’t end there…
Stay for Next Level’s “Party on the Plaza” featuring the Wayne Kerr Band (in the Plaza at 7:30pm.) Free for all!!
Stay for dinner! Chick-Fil-A will be available in the Fellowship Hall: sandwich, chips and a drink for $5.
For the little ones, a special GiGL Show in the C-Gym as well as FREE cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones!
Your family will have a great time at this exciting evening of fun and fellowship!
The Woodway Campus of Second Baptist is located at 6400 Woodway.
Celebrate Your Princess 2009 Breast Cancer Awareness Walk October 31st
Cross Creek Ranch has partnered up with CHRISTUS St. Catherine Hospital to host a breast cancer awareness walk on Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. at Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear.
This is a family walk with a Pink Pamper after-party for participants, which includes free services, boutiques, a kid zone with the Disney princesses, bounce house, rock wall, face painting and snacks. Since this is a family walk, leashed dogs are invited and there will be a Pink Pooch station as well. Walk to honor, to support or strengthen the cause .
There will also be a book signing With Denise Hazen, author of Treat Her Like a Princess: How to Help your Girlfriend with Breast Cancer.
Each participant will receive a “Celebrate your Princess” tote and t-shirt! Registration is $20 October 10th-30th and $25 Walk Day.
Kids 12 and under are Free! Kids T-Shirts can be purchased separately.
For more information, contact Dana at 281-599-6696.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Heritage Presbyterian Church Saturday, October 24th
Reason and fantasy collide in the woods when Athenian humans (two pairs of lovers and a group of amateur thespians) are unwittingly puppeteered by the king of fairies and his mischievous henchman Puck. Magical mayhem ensues when a spell forces everyone (including the fairy queen) to fall in love with the wrong person.
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to see a full-fledged Shakespeare play tonight at Heritage Presbyterian Church.
The performance will run from 6:30-10:00 pm tonight and admission is free and open to the public. Heritage Presbyterian Church is locate at 7934 Highway 6 N., Houston, TX 77095.
Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: Kuumba House Free Event on October 27th
Young Audiences of Houston, Kuumba House, and Miller Outdoor Theatre present Around the World with Young Audiences of Houston: Kuumba House – Bana Ba Bapala & African Songs, Tuesday, October 27, at 11am.
“Bana Ba Bapala,” which means “children at play,” is a fun, upbeat presentation of South African songs, drumming, and dancing. Dancers depict a typical Saturday for a South African child whose day includes babysitting, cooking, cleaning, and most importantly playing! Students learn accompanying games and acquire an appreciation for South African culture and its communicative use of dance. Also, students are introduced to elements common to songs from many cultures, such as rounds, medleys, chants, and other types of a cappella music.
Join talented musicians on a tour featuring an itinerary of work songs, lullabies, children’s songs, and travel songs, each highlighting a different facet of life in Africa.
Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 100 Concert Dr., Houston, TX 77030. Phone: 713-284-8352
Young Audiences of Houston is dedicated to educating children through the arts. Annually Young Audiences of Houston brings live performances, master-classes, workshops and residencies in the arts to about 315,000 children in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 at public, private and parochial schools in the Houston area, as well as in libraries, parks and community centers. These quality programs provide students with the opportunity to see, hear and participate in the performing, literary and visual arts.
